ST. MARYS — Local residents honored those who have served in their country’s wars as part of a parade on Saturday

“This is the second year of our parade,” Organizer John Burd said of the Veterans Day parade held in downtown St. Marys on Saturday.

The groups involved met in the Chestnut Street parking lot Saturday afternoon and traveled west on Spring Street beginning at 1 p.m.

ST. MARYS — Local residents honored those who have served in their country’s wars as part of a parade on Saturday

“This is the second year of our parade,” Organizer John Burd said of the Veterans Day parade held in downtown St. Marys on Saturday.

The groups involved met in the Chestnut Street parking lot Saturday afternoon and traveled west on Spring Street beginning at 1 p.m.

“I decided to start this because there had been one in St. Marys for years, and I thought we needed to one again,” Burd said of the parade. “There were people who didn’t want to organize it, so I took it upon myself.”

He noted there were 26 groups who participated in Saturday’s parade.

“We added the New Bremen High School band and the mounted color guard this year,” Burd said, noting the groups also included the fire department, who also raised a flag on Spring Street.

Burd said the parade is a way to honor those who have served their country.

“It’s giving people the recognition they need,” he said. “They’re everyday guys.”

Burd himself is a Vietnam Era veteran. He served in the U.S. Navy.

“We’ve done our time out there and we don’t ask for it, but veterans still should be recognized,” he said.

Burd also noted the local vets.

“They should still be recognized — especially the National Guard in town,” he said. “They’re highly distinguished.”